Edge metal comparison

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bryan11

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Sep 21, 2008
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I love the looks of the Damascus blades, but the composite blades are also appealing.

Could someone tell me more about the differences in performance and care between Sandvik Damascus, 13C26, 14C28N, S30V, and CPM-D2?

thanks,
Bryan
 
that's quite a range.... the Damascus isn't Sandvik, however. S30V and CPM D2 are both Crucible powdered steels. S30V is stainless and D2 is an air hardened tool steel. CPM D2 is the powdered version of regular D2. It would take me more time than I have to try and cover all on your list. But I'm sure someone will help
 
That link helps a lot, Al. Thanks. Now I'm trying to compare the Kershaw Damascus to the CPM D2. The Damascus looks great, but how does the edge on it compare to the composite CPM D2? Are both so good an edge that it really doesn't matter and it's personal preference only?
 
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d2 is hard use tool steel and will hold an edge a lot longer. It is tougher to sharpen if you let it get dull. Damascus is softer, totally different. Not a hard use steel. Takes a nice edge
 
What OE said.

Damascus is strange stuff, with a lot of variables to it. The individual metals that are used, the forging process, even the pattern, will alter the edge holding and strength of the steel. Well done Damascus, as Kershaw and Buck use, should cut very well, due to the pattern forming a sort of micro 'saw' edge. The dissimilar metals wear at slightly different rates, which leads to such an effect.

I would say that if you want the knife for hard, daily use, D2 or CPM D2 would be hard to beat. On the other hand, if you are after a 'looker', for casual use, Damascus is hard to beat.
 
OregonEdge said:
that's quite a range.... the Damascus isn't Sandvik, however. S30V and CPM D2 are both Crucible powdered steels. S30V is stainless and D2 is an air hardened tool steel. CPM D2 is the powdered version of regular D2. It would take me more time than I have to try and cover all on your list. But I'm sure someone will help
Click to expand...

Hi OregonEdge,
Depending on where you get it, there could be a tad bit of Sandvik in the damascus. But only as a component, we dont do any finished damascus.

//Jerker
 
bryan11 said:
I love the looks of the Damascus blades, but the composite blades are also appealing.

Could someone tell me more about the differences in performance and care between Sandvik Damascus, 13C26, 14C28N, S30V, and CPM-D2?

thanks,
Bryan
Click to expand...

Hi Bryan11,
I wrote this guide together with one of our R&D wizards here to promote our steels. Maybe it will answer a question or two.

www.smt.sandvik.com/hardeningguide

//Jerker
 
Thanks much to everyone. That's exactly the type of information I was looking for.

Bryan
 
Nice choice. Very sweet blade!! :thumbup:

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